Patio Door Locks Repair
Your home's security depends on the locks on your patio door. If they're not working properly, you put your family's and possessions at risk.
A few simple steps can fix issues with your patio door lock and keep your home secure. This quick fix is lubricating and cleaning the lock.
Inspect the Lock
Patio doors are an important security element and need to work efficiently to keep burglars and elements at bay. However, the wear and wear, cold and hot weather, and dust can affect the door frames hinges, hinges, and locking mechanisms. This can eventually cause them to stop functioning as they should. It is crucial to be proactive and regularly inspect your sliding doors for damage, and make any necessary repairs.
The most frequent problems with patio door locks include difficulty locking or unlocking them, a stuck latch and keys that don't move smoothly. Depending on the particular problem you're experiencing it may be necessary to tighten screws or adjust the mechanism of the lock in order to get it working again.
If the issue with your patio door lock is that it's stuck in an open position You can try using the credit card or screwdriver with a flat-head to get it out. If neither of these methods work, consider hiring a professional locksmith to help you open the lock without damaging the door frame.
Sliding uPVC patio doors typically come with a mortise lock that includes a handle as well as a locking cylinder to secure the lock. These locks are secure, but can be damaged or bent under the weight of an open patio door that is slammed. It is a good idea to examine the mortise lock and handle for indications of wear, for instance bends or scratches, before it is broken and you need to replace it.
It's an excellent idea to identify the size and positioning of the existing lock by taking a picture using your digital camera. Then, you can provide these details to a vendor when you're looking for a new lock. This will ensure you're getting a lock that fits your door and is compatible with the current mounting setup. In the event that it isn't, you'll have difficulties installing a new lock that isn't compatible with the existing hardware. This could cause further complications down the line.
Clean the Lock
Patio doors are a popular entry point into the home, making them a prime target for burglars. It is therefore vital that your patio door lock is functional and complies with Police & Insurance Standards.
There are some simple things you can do to repair a lock that is refusing to cooperate. These four steps will allow you to make sure that your patio doors are operating properly and are providing the security you expect.
It is recommended to first clean the lock with hot soapy water using a damp cloth. You'll want to clean away any dirt or stains that may have accumulated on the lock. After you've done this you can use dry cloths to get rid of any moisture and let the lock air-dry before you try to re-insert.
Then, you must lubricate the lock. This is particularly important for uPVC doors that tend to become very squeaky in time. Use WD40 or petroleum jelly to grease keyways and internal mechanisms. When applying the lubricant make sure to wipe off your key afterwards to avoid spreading any dirt that may have gathered on it.
Once your uPVC patio doors are cleaned and lubricated, then test them. Examine whether the door is moving into and out of the frame smoothly. Also, make sure that the hinges and locking points are properly aligned with the frame of the door. You should be able to see the alignment marks on the edges of your door frame, and you can easily correct them by re-aligning the doors with the frame.
It's also worth noting that there are a variety of uPVC patio door locks and you might need to replace the lock if it is damaged or broken. If you have E2011 patio door locks, you will need to replace them in order to be secure with E2469 and E2487 lock assemblies. The assemblies consist of three components, including an E2014 mortise lock, escutcheon and a lock hasp.
Lubricate the Lock
For the majority of patio doors, the lock mechanism is inside the door, hidden from view. If your key cylinder is worn out or you wish to upgrade your lock to increase security, you can purchase an upgrade kit from many locksmiths or home improvement stores. These kits range from $10 to $20 and include a tool to open the lock and an additional cylinder. Follow the directions in your kit to disassemble and clean your old lock, then install the new one. You may need to adjust the cylinder of your key slightly to ensure proper operation, depending on how tightly it fits into the lock hole in the door frame.
Dry graphite powder is used to lubricate locks. It is a cheap and widely used alternative to liquid lubricants which draw dust and clog the mechanism. You can purchase it from hardware stores or model train shops as well as some office supply stores. If you choose to use it, ensure that the piece of dry graphite is free of tiny pieces of wood sticking to it. You can also buy an industrial graphite lubricant that is available in spray form. The solvent in the spray evaporates once it is applied, leaving behind an uninspiring layer of graphite which lubricates the lock.
You can also add lubrication to your lock by putting several sprays of WD-40 directly into the keyway. Push your key in-and-out several times to distribute the grease. After a few minutes, test the key again and check whether it turns effortlessly. If your key still sticks, try the lock again within a few days after the WD-40 has dried.
Many homeowners can easily alter their patio door locks but if your sliding door is equipped with an invisible latch or deadbolt lock built in the door, the process might be more complex. If your patio door has an invisible latch, you will need to remove the interior decorative cover by removing the screws holding it in place with a screwdriver. If your patio door has a built-in deadbolt, it is necessary to remove the bolt from the edge of the door. After removing both the deadbolt and knob assembly, you are able to install the new lock.
Replace the Lock
It's not uncommon for patio doors to fail. They are an essential security feature for your home. Debris may get stuck in the mechanism of the lock, or it could get worn out over time. A damaged patio door latch could pose a major security risk to your home. Regularly checking your patio door locks can help keep them in good shape and let you easily correct any issues that arise.
If you can't solve the issue, you'll need to replace it. Repair My Windows And Doors is a task that most homeowners can complete themselves, however, it's crucial to follow the directions to ensure that the new lock is compatible with your current system. It's also recommended to bring the old lock to the store so that a customer service representative can guide you towards the right replacement.
To replace a patio door handle remove the handle. This can be accomplished by removing screws that secure the handle. After the handle has been removed, you can then access the screws that hold the lock body to the door jamb.
After removing the screws, you can slide out the latch body from the door frame. Secure the latch lever using a graphite pen. It will fall into the frame if it is not secured. Next, remove the door strike. This will reveal the hole the lock hook fits into when the patio door is closed. After removing the door strike, it is possible to put the new one in.
When re-screwing a door strike, you must be sure to use larger screws since these will be used to secure the strike to the frame. Check that the new strike is aligned with the opening of the door frame, and then tighten both of them.
There are different types of locks for patio doors however the most commonly used is the central rail key-operated lock. These locks bolt the doors into the frame at various points and when the key is inserted, all points should lock simultaneously. These locks offer a higher level of security than standard locking systems and can often result in discounts on your homeowner's insurance.